A little confused...?

Question

Hi everyone,Ive been bird dogging in mid Michigan for a short time now and Im a bit confused about something. I spoke to an investor today and was told that bird dogging is illegal in Michigan and that you have to be licensed to be involved in real estate investing. I have read the laws but still confused about this topic.I would love to hear some input from fellow Michigan investors as well as anyone else that might be able to explain this to me. Thank you in advance...Scott Hinkle.....

Ralph S. · Answer

I'm not from Michigan or Maryland, but Bird-dogging doesn't involve those things that are required by law to be licensed.

Most states use terms like "Provide Real Estate Services."

Real Estate Services do have specific definitions, and usually involve those things required to effect the sale of the property, not just bringing buyer and seller together.

If, as a bird dog, you are simply finding a property and bringing it to the attention of someone else, and not involved with negotiations, or "performing real estate services," that are needed to actually transfer property from seller to buyer, there are no laws against that.

If I'm wrong, here, I'd love to read the statute that requires a license to say "Hey, Joe Investor, there's a vacant house on 13th Street.  I looked up the owner at the courthouse and here is his name, address and phone number.  I talked with him and he is interested in selling."

George P. · Answer

This topic has been discussed on this board at least 300 times
The law is clear (IMO) - if you connect the buyer and the seller you perform the duties of an agent and thus required to be licensed as such.